Summary
Solar panels are a critical component of renewable energy infrastructure, converting sunlight into electricity to power homes and communities. Over time, however, their efficiency declines due to soiling, which is the accumulation of material on panel surfaces that reduces light transmission. Soiling has traditionally been attributed to abiotic factors such as dust, pollen, and atmospheric particulates. However, large-scale imaging and field observations have revealed that fungal colonization plays a substantial role in performance losses. Biological fouling introduces a dynamic component to surface degradation, as fungi can adhere, grow, and persist under harsh environmental conditions. This project focuses on characterizing fungal communities colonizing solar panels using metagenomic sequencing approaches and linking community composition to land use and environmental context. By identifying ecological drivers of fungal colonization, this work aims to inform improved mitigation strategies and cleaning protocols that preserve photovoltaic performance and extend infrastructure longevity.